New Orleans
New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine, reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for its raucous costumed parades and street parties.
New Orleans is famed for its European-style architecture, delectable Creole food, and overall positive vibes. And music serves as its backbone: jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, and Zydeco melodies pour from every city crevice. For many, though, the main reason to visit is Mardi Gras, an extravagant festival with carnival elements like masks, music, floats, and merriment. Even if you don't make it during Mardi Gras, there's always a party going on, with revelers streaming out of Bourbon Street bars into the early hours of the morning and a festival of some kind practically every weekend.
Despite previous environmental calamities, such as the BP oil leak, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Isaac, New Orleans thrives. Significant attempts have been made in recent years to reestablish the different districts. Today, the Crescent City appears to be virtually brand new. Begin your journey with a walking tour of the French Quarter, which is rich in colonial history and ghost stories. From here, you can see the key architectural landmarks before settling down for a substantial dinner of jambalaya and a wild night out.
Best Hotels in New Orleans:
- Windsor Court Hotel
- Maison de la Luz
- The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Best Things to Do in New Orleans:
- Frenchmen Street
- French Quarter
- Garden District
Rankings:
- 1 in Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- 1 in Best Places to Visit in February
- 2 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
Rating:
- 10 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
